Hypo quarantine tank?
- Thread starter davidwillis
- Start date
RBU1
Moving on Up
A quote from master Randy..
Marine species are less susceptible to nitrite toxicity because chloride (at 19,350 ppm in seawater) outcompetes nitrite for the same uptake mechanisms. Nevertheless, it is possible for some marine fish to take up nitrite via both their gills and their intestines after swallowing seawater. For example, when exposed to 46 ppm nitrite in seawater, the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) takes up 66% of its nitrite via intestinal routes.24 Further, its internal nitrite concentration was found to remain below the ambient nitrite level in the water. At these concentrations, there was some alteration of internal biochemical parameters (such as an increase in methemoglobin levels from 4% in nonexposed fish to 18% of hemoglobin in exposed fish). Nevertheless, there were no mortalities under these conditions, and the difference between this result and what is often observed in freshwater fish at similar nitrite concentrations is attributed to differences in their internal nitrite concentrations.
I would continue water changes but would not be really concerned about nitrites.
Marine species are less susceptible to nitrite toxicity because chloride (at 19,350 ppm in seawater) outcompetes nitrite for the same uptake mechanisms. Nevertheless, it is possible for some marine fish to take up nitrite via both their gills and their intestines after swallowing seawater. For example, when exposed to 46 ppm nitrite in seawater, the European flounder (Platichthys flesus) takes up 66% of its nitrite via intestinal routes.24 Further, its internal nitrite concentration was found to remain below the ambient nitrite level in the water. At these concentrations, there was some alteration of internal biochemical parameters (such as an increase in methemoglobin levels from 4% in nonexposed fish to 18% of hemoglobin in exposed fish). Nevertheless, there were no mortalities under these conditions, and the difference between this result and what is often observed in freshwater fish at similar nitrite concentrations is attributed to differences in their internal nitrite concentrations.
I would continue water changes but would not be really concerned about nitrites.
http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/grosell/PDFs/2000%20Grosell%20&%20Jensen.pdf -- here is where the Master Randy received his information.
Would still try to achieve zero. The fact that it is not being converted into NO3 signifies that the biological filtration is lacking.
Would still try to achieve zero. The fact that it is not being converted into NO3 signifies that the biological filtration is lacking.
davidwillis
Active member
Interesting about the nitrites... but I wonder if the hypo salinity makes it more toxic to the marine fish?
My lfs did not have polyfilters, and I wanted something fast, so I added some fluval clearmax which says it absorbs nitrites. But I didn't notice any difference using it.
After a large 50-60% water change my nitrite is about 1.0 ppm (maybe just under). The prime is supposed to bind up the nitrite though...
I am thinking about doing a large 80-90% water change, but am worried it might slow down the tank cycling... I can match salinity, ph, and get the temp close.
p.s. Thanks for all the comments and help... especially on Christmas eve... Merry Christmas
My lfs did not have polyfilters, and I wanted something fast, so I added some fluval clearmax which says it absorbs nitrites. But I didn't notice any difference using it.
After a large 50-60% water change my nitrite is about 1.0 ppm (maybe just under). The prime is supposed to bind up the nitrite though...
I am thinking about doing a large 80-90% water change, but am worried it might slow down the tank cycling... I can match salinity, ph, and get the temp close.
p.s. Thanks for all the comments and help... especially on Christmas eve... Merry Christmas
Last edited:
davidwillis
Active member
Ok, I just did as large of a water change as possible. I drained it down until there was only about 2 1/2 inches of water in the bottom of the tank. After filling it up and letting the HOB filter cycle all the water around for about 15 min. I checked the nitrite, and it was between 0.5 and 1.0 ppm.
I have found that the Nitrobacter bacteria takes longer to establish than the Nitrosomonas bacteria (I hope I got those right). So since my Nitrosomas bacteria took about 2 weeks to develope, I expect my Nitrobacter bacteria to take a few more weeks... It may be almost when I start raising my salinity back up.
I have found that the Nitrobacter bacteria takes longer to establish than the Nitrosomonas bacteria (I hope I got those right). So since my Nitrosomas bacteria took about 2 weeks to develope, I expect my Nitrobacter bacteria to take a few more weeks... It may be almost when I start raising my salinity back up.
vito is hooked
New member
starting hypo this morning...by the way...Merry Christmas....I have a 20 gal tank set up for about 6 months grwing mangroves with a small poly filter in it.....my question is ...can i use that filter from the 20 to my qt 10 gal...with the poly and bacteria..or should i clean the filer poly....
davidwillis
Active member
Yes, use the filter, and also use tank water to fill the QT. But after the first fill, don't contaminate any more. The bacteria may go inactive when you lower the salinity, but hopefully it won't take as long to get it active as mine did without any initial bacteria.
David,
Sounds like you have a good handle on things. The large water change is of no real significance with regards to your cycling process. The bacteria "so to speak" is not in your water column, it is found on stationary objects (LR, sand, biowheel, sponge, etc.). With such a small volume of water in your QT, I can't stress enough the importance of matching pH, salinity, and temp., you want to be "spot on" with each of those. If not matched, make small adjustments as needed to get them matched.
Hope all goes well.
SV
Sounds like you have a good handle on things. The large water change is of no real significance with regards to your cycling process. The bacteria "so to speak" is not in your water column, it is found on stationary objects (LR, sand, biowheel, sponge, etc.). With such a small volume of water in your QT, I can't stress enough the importance of matching pH, salinity, and temp., you want to be "spot on" with each of those. If not matched, make small adjustments as needed to get them matched.
Hope all goes well.
SV
davidwillis
Active member
Thanks SV.... I will keep you updated on how it goes. This quarantine seems like it is lasting forever, and I am not even halve way through...
davidwillis
Active member
I think my cycle is coming to an end finally. After my large water change, nitrites went up to 1.0 ppm, then stalled, now this morning it was down to 0.5 ppm.
I am going to keep my damsels in nets to keep them from killing each other. The one with Popeye is staying the same, the other one is getting better (it was just not looking too well from being chased by the bully damsel). The flame angel is looking better than ever other than he hides in the pipes all the time because he is scared of the nets in the tank.
I am going to keep my damsels in nets to keep them from killing each other. The one with Popeye is staying the same, the other one is getting better (it was just not looking too well from being chased by the bully damsel). The flame angel is looking better than ever other than he hides in the pipes all the time because he is scared of the nets in the tank.
davidwillis
Active member
I think my cycle is coming to an end finally. After my large water change, nitrites went up to 1.0 ppm, then stalled, now this morning it was down to 0.5 ppm.
I am going to keep my damsels in nets to keep them from killing each other. The one with Popeye is staying the same, the other one is getting better (it was just not looking too well from being chased by the bully damsel). The flame angel is looking better than ever other than he hides in the pipes all the time because he is scared of the nets in the tank.
I am going to keep my damsels in nets to keep them from killing each other. The one with Popeye is staying the same, the other one is getting better (it was just not looking too well from being chased by the bully damsel). The flame angel is looking better than ever other than he hides in the pipes all the time because he is scared of the nets in the tank.
davidwillis
Active member
The nitrite is playing tricks with me just like the ammonia did... It went back up, and I did another 80% water change on Monday, and doing another one today.
davidwillis
Active member
I have been forced to do water changes about every other day until today. Today nitrites were at 0.25 (the lowest I have seen in a while). I am hoping the cycle is almost over (and just after I ordered polyfilters and purigen). They will probably get here about when my nitrites hit zero.
It has been 4 weeks since I started the treatment, and on the 6th it will be 4 weeks since my last spot ich was seen.
Edit:
One concern I have is that my flame angel does not have the appetite he did a few weeks ago. Do you think this has to do with the low salinity?
It has been 4 weeks since I started the treatment, and on the 6th it will be 4 weeks since my last spot ich was seen.
Edit:
One concern I have is that my flame angel does not have the appetite he did a few weeks ago. Do you think this has to do with the low salinity?
Last edited:
To my knowledge, and from my personal experience, I haven't had the low salinity affect appetite, especially at this point. Some fish may go off food when the drop is intially made, but once eating well in hypo, not sure why your Flame would reduce his appetite.
I am assuming the angel is still eating enough?
SV
I am assuming the angel is still eating enough?
SV
davidwillis
Active member
Thanks
He eats a little... it may be the nets that I have the damsels in. Ever since I put them in the tank he hides all the time, and just sneaks out and eats a bite or two then back in. Before he acted like he was starving to death, and would devour as much food as he could until it was all gone. I was just curious if the low salinity could cause it, but I guess not.
He eats a little... it may be the nets that I have the damsels in. Ever since I put them in the tank he hides all the time, and just sneaks out and eats a bite or two then back in. Before he acted like he was starving to death, and would devour as much food as he could until it was all gone. I was just curious if the low salinity could cause it, but I guess not.
davidwillis
Active member
Nitrites are finally almost gone. I have not done any water changes for a while. Nitrite climbed to 1 ppm, then started coming down. It is now about 0.1 ppm, so I am not adding prime any more.
It has now been just over 4 weeks since the last spot has been seen. I still have about 4 weeks until I can put fish back in the display tank though. I will probably wait a couple more weeks to start raising the salinity back up.
The flame angel is still not eating like he used to, but eats some. I can't wait to get him back in his real home.
I have another question... There is a local group doing a fish order, and I wanted to add a 6 line wrasse, and a royal gramma. The order is planed to come in on the 25th of Jan. Could I get these two fish and add them to my QT, or do they need a separate tank?
It has now been just over 4 weeks since the last spot has been seen. I still have about 4 weeks until I can put fish back in the display tank though. I will probably wait a couple more weeks to start raising the salinity back up.
The flame angel is still not eating like he used to, but eats some. I can't wait to get him back in his real home.
I have another question... There is a local group doing a fish order, and I wanted to add a 6 line wrasse, and a royal gramma. The order is planed to come in on the 25th of Jan. Could I get these two fish and add them to my QT, or do they need a separate tank?
davidwillis
Active member
Well I finally have my hypo tank cycled, but now I have another problem....
I just noticed today that my clown was swimming sideways. When I looked closer there are bumps on him. Sorry my glass is dirty, the only thing I can see wrong with him are bumps on his back just under his fin.
I just noticed today that my clown was swimming sideways. When I looked closer there are bumps on him. Sorry my glass is dirty, the only thing I can see wrong with him are bumps on his back just under his fin.
davidwillis
Active member
Well I am not sure about the clown fish, but it started looking better after treating with prazi pro, then anti-biotics. I just put all my fish back in the display tank, and all seem to be doing great. My flame angel did not eat too good for the last half of the quarantine, and is very skinny... But he is eating great now he is back in the tank, so I am feeding them 3 times/day to get hopefully put some weight on him. No signs of ich at all.
